AAP government tells Delhi private schools not to hike fees without DoE's permission

The Delhi government has asked the private schools in the national Capital to seek prior sanction from the Directorate of Education (DoE) before increasing student fees, and to submit detailed proposals in this regard.

Schools will be obliged to submit key documents including receipts and payment accounts, income and expenditure accounts, balance sheets for the years 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2015-16, and budget estimates for the ensuing year.

The salaries paid to staff, and details of all funds - reserve, general and gratuity - will also need to be provided.

“The heads of private, unaided recognised schools, allotted land by the land-owning agencies on the condition of seeking prior sanction of DoE for increase in fee, are directed to submit their proposals, if any, for prior sanction for the academic session 2016-17,” DoE Director Saumya Gupta told private schools.

The proposals seeking increase of fees have to be submitted on DoE's website by May 31 following which it will be scrutinised. (picture for representation only)

The government has taken this step after a few distressed parents approached Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and complained of fee hikes ranging from 20 to 55 per cent.

Sisodia had directed the DoE to take necessary action against the errant schools, which have not only hiked fees but also compelled students to buy books from private publishers.

Following this, the Department directed Delhi Public School’s Rohini and Mathura branches to roll back the fee hike and refund the excess amount collected.

“Many of the parents protested outside DPS Rohini and Mathura branches regarding the fee hike. The department took cognizance of the complaints and have decided to take stern actions against the schools,” a senior official from DoE told Mail Today.

The proposals have to be submitted on the DoE’s website by May 31, following which they will be scrutinised by a team of officials.

If the schools have already charged any increased fees prior to issue of this order, they are liable to be adjusted by the schools under the recommendations of the DoE.